GM 2.4L AC Repair Advice

[Glenn]

My son is performing some AC system repairs on his 1996 Chevy Cavalier with a quad 4 engine. Here is the proposed repair, followed by a few questions. Thanks for your time.

The following components will be replaced new with aftermarket parts: compressor, condenser, accumulator and all gaskets. We’re not tackling the evaporator at this time and keeping our fingers crossed. All lines will be flushed. We will attempt to flush the evaporator as well. The expansion tube (original) was relatively clean which I’m taking as an encouraging sign. Once work is performed, we will have the system charged by a professional service provider. We do plan to ask them to include dye in case there is a remaining leak that needs to be addressed.

A few questions for those with knowledge/experience:

1. The replacement compressor already has oil in it. Is it wise to assume the proper amount of oil is in it and leave it as is? The old compressor calls for 9 fl ounces. Should we drain this oil and put in the same type of oil as in the original compressor? My thinking is that the new after market compressor might have oil unique to its design by the manufacturer?

2. Does anyone know the after market equivalent of GM compressor oil 12345923?

3. This is a learning experience for me. Some of my research recommends dividing the recommended amount of oil between different components of the system. For example, one source recommends a third of the oil in the compressor, a third in the condenser, an ounce in the accumulator and the rest in the evaporator before the system is vacuumed and charged. Since the compressor is the only component with moving parts, would this really be necessary? It seems this would automatically get dispersed within a very short running time. Is this overkill?

Any additional advice would be appreciated.

tomatofarmer1

Topic

[EricTheCarGuy]

If the system still has a charge in it, take it to a professional to have that charge removed. If you’re doing this because of a compressor failure you don’t have to replace all of those parts. Just the orifice tube. The rest of the system you should be able to flush out. More info on AC work can be found here.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-hvac-problems

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

[college man]

There should be some literature that tells you what oil was used
in the compressor. If the compressor came with 9oz hook everything up
and add 1-2 oz of oil thats it. What happens is the oil gets distributed
through the system and cotes the walls of the tubing. which will now drop
the oil level slightly in the compressor. also you will get oil logging in
the system where oil gets stuck in the system components. What we are looking
for is as oil leaves the compressor oil must come back to the compressor.

http://www.techchoiceparts.com/refrigerant-and-oil-capacities/abcd

[Glenn]

Thanks Eric, I failed to mention the system was already completely discharged.

[Glenn]

Thanks for the helpful link College Man. Would you suggest adding the 1-2 extra ounces at the compressor.?

[college man]

[quote=”tomatofarmer1″ post=105896]Thanks for the helpful link College Man. Would you suggest adding the 1-2 extra ounces at the compressor.?[/quote]

If your having a shop charge the system there machine should add refrigerant
and oil at the same time.

[Glenn]

I realize old posts are often long forgotten. However, I do want to be a responsible forum user each time, and tell those who offered advice how it turned out. My son drove his Cavalier around for several weeks after the repair before having it vacuumed and charged. So far so good…The new compressor is working well and no leaks are apparent. He is enjoying cool air here in the hot, humid Southeast. Thanks to all who gave advice.

[college man]

Thanks for keeping us up to date. Glad its working out. 🙂

[EricTheCarGuy]

We love happy endings. Thanks for the update and for using the ETCG forum.

[Author]

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